All hail the power of purple! Purple is the Pantone color of the year (Ultra Violet) and now is also the new color of being healthy. According to the USDA purple anti-oxidants, also called anthocyanins, are the next health food goliath. Nutritionists are promoting the benefits of purple foods including their anti-cancer properties, anti-aging benefits, protection for your heart, assisting in obesity reduction and promoting mental well-being. You shouldn’t be surprised when you see purple colored foods popping up everywhere.
The even better news is that you don’t have to rely only on the grocery store to supply you with these purple powerhouses. There are a wide variety of purple colored foods that you are able to grow in your own garden.
Why not consider adding the following yummy fruits and vegetables to your yard this year:
- Vegetables - Want a super salad? Then try adding Purple Cabbage and Purple Carrots to your salad bowl. Want some yummy side dishes? Try Beets and Purple Sweet Potatoes. Purple vegetables don’t have to play a supporting role in your meals. Eggplant can make a delicious main dish too. Finally, don’t forget the herbs! Purple Basil tastes as good as it looks and Lavender can be steeped into a tea which will help you relax after a long day at work.
- Fruits - Do you enjoy berries? Well, you’re going or really love the color purple. Try growing Blackberries and Black Raspberries. Blueberries are considered a purple fruit too and if you live in an area that doesn’t usually get frost you might want to try growing an Acai Berry tree. If you don’t live in a tropical garden zone you can try growing a Plum Tree instead.
If you’re worried that you don’t have the space to grow some of these plants don’t be! Many of these fruits have dwarf varieties that you can grow in a container on a patio. While they are delicious to eat purple plants look great in your garden too! So let purple reign in your yard this season!